From 1961 to 1966, the Classic was American Motor’s mid-range product, sandwiched between the American and Ambassador lines. Sill using the Rambler moniker in 1966, the Classic was akin to the Chevrolet Chevelle and Ford Fairlane. This station wagon, in 660 trim, has a freshly rebuilt 232 cubic inch inline-6 under the hood but needs some cosmetic TLC (or you could soon drive it the way it is). Located in Santa Cruz, California, this 6-passenger people mover is available here on craigslist for $4,500 OBO. Credit for the tip goes to Barn Finder Jack M.!
AMC did a major styling update on the Classic and Ambassador in 1965, giving them separate wheelbases and front and rear treatments for the first time since 1962. As a result, the 1966 editions were minimally changed. In ’65, the Classic came in three trim levels, the 550, 660, and 770. The 660 was supposedly discontinued in 1966, yet the tag on the dash of the seller’s car identifies it as the middle 660, so perhaps this is a 1965 model instead of a ‘66.
The standard power in the ’66 Classic was the 232 cubic inch I-6. That’s what’s in the seller’s car, freshly rebuilt, though we’re not told if it’s the motor that went into the wagon at the factory. The automatic transmission has been redone, too, and the car comes with receipts for all of the work. This Rambler should be roadworthy after the buyer gets the brakes replaced. The odometer reads 20,000 miles, but 120,000 is more likely.
The body on this AMC is said to be straight with no rust and the blueish green (or greenish blue) paint may be okay, at least for running around town. The upholstery on the front seats are mismatched, but is functional. The seller says he/she has all of the car’s emblems, so we assume some of them have been removed, perhaps in anticipation of new paint. This is said to be a complete car, so if you’re into 1960s Ramblers, here’s your chance to have at it!








Cool car, but it’s a shame they didn’t take better pictures of it. The grille’s from a ’65 and the dashboard seems to be from a ’65; it would help us identify it with more accuracy if we could see the side trim a little better.
Hi Aaron, sure seems to be the writers universal bane, the quality of pictures. We must remember, pictures are the last thing someone is thinking about. They want it gone, and dad doesn’t look too happy either. I think the pics are adequate, sure beats the fuzzy Polaroid of years ago.
These are good cars to get around in. I just sold my 1965 Classic 550,4-door-199c.u.- auto. It had it’s original shiny paint, black and white interior without any rips, tears, or cracks. 99% factory. 27,800 miles, Sold it to a gentlemen in Stanley Wisconsin for 6,500.00. He was as happy as a pig in mud. I do miss it now and then.
Great cars, and how it got to California in 1966 either had to be by train, or a very long road trip. This happily breaks the mold that all folks in California are greed filled dreamers. 1st of all, you won’t find any EXCEPT in California, and 2nd, priced right, AUTOMATIC, and a great find.
Nice car. Too bad it isn’t with a 3 on the tree or a 4 on the floor. And why are these cool cars always somewhere out in the west? Dang.